Motorola

BetaBeacon
September 5, 2026
Motorola has launched the Moto Watch Ultra, a smartwatch with flagship-tier health tracking, Wear OS, LTE eSIM support, and 5ATM underwater protection. It is powered by the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 platform, has a 1.5-inch pOLED display, and features Google Play apps, Google Wallet payments, and Google Gemini. The watch also includes Polar's health-tracking algorithms, a 550mAh battery, and will be available for 9.99 starting on September 10.
AppWizard
August 27, 2026
Motorola is set to enhance its smartphones with the upcoming Android 17 software update, which includes features such as stackable widgets, themed icons, and the ability to hide labels from Quick Settings tiles. The update will integrate support for Live Updates and AI-driven notification summaries, as well as machine learning models to identify low-priority notifications. Display capabilities will improve for HDR content, with adjustable brightness settings. New sharing methods include Tap to Share for one-on-one sharing and Quick Drop for group sharing. The update also promises enhanced security, app compatibility, performance improvements, bug fixes, and additional features like cross-platform Quick Share capabilities and Audio Sharing. Over 50 Motorola devices, including recent Razr and Edge models, will receive the update.
AppWizard
August 13, 2026
Android smartphones often have a trade-off between price and software support. Motorola typically offers two major Android updates and three years of security patches for flagship models, while mid-range devices receive only one Android update and two years of security patches. Motorola devices, like the Moto G line, are priced under 0 and provide solid battery life and camera performance. Xiaomi's software support varies, with models like the Xiaomi 14 and 15 receiving up to five years of patches starting in 2026, while entry-level models offer only two to three years of support. Imported Xiaomi devices, such as the Redmi Note or Poco X, feature AMOLED screens and rapid charging for under 0. TCL generally provides at least two years of security updates, but not all devices receive two Android version upgrades. TCL's Nxtpaper technology offers a unique display experience, and models like the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper come with 8GB of RAM and a 120Hz screen. RedMagic promises two major Android updates and three years of security patches starting with the RedMagic 11 Pro. The RedMagic 11 Pro features high-end specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a 7,500mAh battery, priced around 9. Brands with subpar software support are identified by the number of promised major Android updates and the duration of security patches, with comparisons made against industry standards set by manufacturers like Google and Samsung.
AppWizard
July 30, 2026
Long-term support for smartphones is important for consumers, especially regarding data security. Security updates are typically provided, but software updates often lag, leaving devices without the latest features. Samsung committed to four years of OS updates and five years of security updates in 2022, evolving to seven years for newer devices in 2024. The Galaxy S24, launched in early 2024, will receive support through 2030. The Galaxy S23 has already concluded its software updates. Google’s Pixel 8, launched in 2023, is also expected to be supported until 2030 with seven years of updates. Nothing's Phone 3, launching in 2025, promises five years of software support and seven years of security updates, while Motorola's Signature model, debuting in 2026, is projected to be supported until 2033. OnePlus guarantees four years of software updates and five years of security updates, but none of its phones will reach the 2030 mark for new OS upgrades. Other brands like Oppo and Xiaomi lack transparency in their support policies, with Xiaomi only committing to two years of security updates.
AppWizard
July 28, 2026
Motorola has launched the Indigenous Collections app, a free mobile application aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the Rainy Lake Ojibwe community, including the Ojibwe language, stories, landmarks, and familial knowledge. The app was developed in collaboration with Ojibwe language instructor Jason Jones and Dr. Anton Treuer, a Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University. It is available for download on the Google Play Store and shares only publicly accessible cultural knowledge. The app is part of Motorola's Indigenous Languages Initiative, developed with the Lenovo Foundation, which aims to digitize and safeguard indigenous languages and integrate them into modern technology.
AppWizard
July 28, 2026
HMD is reintroducing the Asha brand with the launch of the Asha 305, priced at PHP 3,999 in the Philippines and around 2,390 baht in Thailand. The phone features a Unisoc SC9832E processor, options of 2–3GB of RAM, and 16–32GB of storage. It has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 854×480 pixels, a 5MP rear camera, a 2MP front camera, and a 2,500mAh battery with 5W charging. The Asha 305 operates on Android 14 Go without Google Mobile Services, offering around 100 pre-loaded apps. HMD has not announced availability or pricing for the US or UK markets.
BetaBeacon
July 24, 2026
The absence of the S Pen in the Galaxy Z Fold series is becoming more glaring with the introduction of the Motorola Razr Fold, which offers a similar stylus experience. Samsung's decision to remove the S Pen to make its foldables thinner is being challenged by the technology used in the Motorola Razr Fold, which allows for stylus interaction without adding thickness to the device. Samsung's reluctance to evolve its S Pen technology is causing the company to fall behind in the foldable market as competitors embrace foldable styluses.
AppWizard
July 18, 2026
Motorola's software, particularly the Hello UI, has been criticized for inadequate update practices but is recognized for its rich feature set that enhances user experience. Key features include: - Quick Gestures: Intuitive gesture controls allow users to launch the camera with a wrist twist and activate the flashlight with a double karate chop. - Desk Display: A feature for foldable devices that displays a clock or calendar alongside notifications without waking the phone. - Manual Material You: Customization options that allow users to personalize their device's appearance based on wallpaper colors, including a color wheel and pipette tool. - Media Controls: Users can control media playback without unlocking the phone by holding down the volume buttons. - Smart Connect: An app that enhances connectivity, allowing the phone to be used as a wireless webcam or secondary monitor, with voice command integration for screen sharing and app launching.
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